Small flatbeds generally OK for refuse sites

Question: A couple of weeks ago I had more trash than the bin could handle for my once-a-week trash pickup. So I loaded some bags of household trash on my flatbed truck and took it to the Waimanalo Convenience Center. The fellow there told me they won't accept anything from a flatbed truck. Why not? I have a small flatbed truck. There are pickup trucks bigger than mine. All I had were a few bags of household trash. I think that's not fair.

We asked why common sense couldn't be used if your "small" truck obviously held household trash.

The answer is that guards are allowed to use their judgment in determining whether a flatbed truck is small enough to maneuver within the confines of the convenience center.

"The use of flatbed trucks has always been a controversial issue at our disposal sites," explained Wayne Hamada, disposal operations engineer with the city Refuse Division.

That's because, at one time, flatbeds were used exclusively by businesses. But, Hamada acknowledged, some residents do own small, pickup-size flatbeds.

"Many are actually pickup trucks converted to resemble and function as flatbeds on a lesser scale," he said, and residents are allowed to use them to deliver their trash.

Having said, that, Hamada also said "we rely on the guard's judgment" in determining whether a vehicle should be allowed in.

There could have been something that caused the guard to prohibit your entry, he said, and without details, he couldn't speculate further.

"We will, however, investigate the complaint and at least remind the guards at Waimanalo Convenience Center that small flatbeds/conversions are generally allowed," Hamada said.

Q: Is there anywhere we can still purchase Aloha Festivals ribbons?

A: Yes. The ribbons can be purchased for $5 each the rest of this week, or as long as they last, from the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association; the customer service offices at Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall and Pearlridge Center; and ABC Stores throughout Waikiki.

The association is located at 2270 Kalakaua Ave., Room 1506, and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Proceeds from the sale of the ribbons help to support the continuation of the annual Aloha Festivals.

This year, buying a ribbon gives the purchaser an entry blank for a chance to win round-trip tickets for two to Manila, the South Pacific or to Las Vegas; a Ko Aloha ukulele; or a Hawaiian pendant.

The deadline for entries is midnight Saturday. Prizes will be awarded on or about Sept. 30.

Purchases are not necessary to enter the drawing.

Call Tina Yamaki, of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, at 923-0407 for more information.